"Her mother then coached her to lie to the police so she wouldn't get caught but this ultimately failed.

"We will not hesitate to prosecute those who commit this sickening offence."

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for FGM, Commander Ivan Balhatchet, said: "Female genital mutilation is a severe form of abuse inflicted by the people children should be able to trust the most.

"It has a devastating impact on women and girls and has no place in a civilised society.

Another spells found inside of one of the 40 frozen limes (Image: PA)

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"We have always been clear that prosecutions alone will not stop this abuse, however this guilty verdict sends a strong message that police will make every effort possible to pursue those committing this heinous crime."

Leethen Bartholomew, of the National FGM Centre which is run by Barnardos and the Local Government Association, said: "I hope today's verdict serves as a warning to those considering having FGM carried out on their daughter or other family member or taking her abroad to do so."

John Cameron, NSPCC head of Childline, said: "FGM has been illegal in the UK for more than 30 years and today's first successful prosecution for carrying out this horrific practice is a landmark victory for all FGM survivors.

The kitchen cupboard door inside the home of the defendant in the Female Genital Mutilation case (Image: PA)

"In 2017-18 the NSPCC Helpline was contacted 313 times by people worried about girls who may have suffered, or are at risk of, FGM.

"It takes courage to report concerns as many feel ashamed or worry they will betray friends and family.

"But we need to end the silence that surrounds FGM to better protect children."